What Are Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is an infection of the gums that develops into periodontitis when left untreated. In periodontitis, the infection spreads into the tissues that surround and support the teeth, or the periodontal tissues. These tissues include the gums, as well as the connective ligaments, bone, and cementum that cover tooth roots. When the periodontal tissues become inflamed and infected, the end result is often the loss of bone tissue, receding gums, and, ultimately, tooth loss. The most common contributor to gum disease is poor oral hygiene, though some people are more prone to gum disease for one reason or another. Gum disease is easily treated when intercepted early enough, but it can sometimes be difficult to detect in its early stages without dental tools and skills, which is part of the reason routine dental exams are so important: they can provide the first indications that gum disease is developing and facilitate prompt treatment. When symptoms of gum disease do appear, early intervention from a dental professional will help keep the disease from progressing and wreaking havoc on the oral tissues.
Some of the more common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Discolored gums that appear darker, red, or purple
- Bleeding gums
- Painful or sore gums
- Bad breath
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Painful chewing
- Visible gum recession
- Misaligned bite
- Loose teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist for a thorough exam and treatment. Your dentist will evaluate areas of plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth and use a probing instrument to look for areas with sensitivity or bleeding, and they’ll ask you to describe your symptoms. If it appears that gum disease has progressed, developing into periodontitis, they may refer you to a dental specialist called a periodontist. Your dentist or periodontist will also use a periodontal probe to measure the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums, and they’ll use X-ray images combined with a manual exam to assess the condition of the bone and note any changes in its structure, shape, or density. They’ll also visually appraise the bite and the degree of gingival recession. This data helps determine whether gum disease is present and also helps determine how much it’s progressed when it is present.
There are four general stages to the progression of periodontal disease. The first stage, gingivitis, affects only the gums and is reversible with treatment, but it can also be completely asymptomatic and therefore difficult to detect. The second stage, mild periodontitis, is characterized by the development of periodontal pockets that indicate that the bacteria have invaded below the gum line, threatening the health of the jawbone. These pockets easily trap additional plaque and bacteria, helping periodontitis continue to progress, but can often be eliminated with thorough periodontal treatment; once plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line, the gums can return to their normal protective position around the teeth. When allowed to progress, however, bacteria gradually erode all the tissues of the periodontium, threatening the stability of the teeth. Mild and moderate periodontitis are often symptomatic, causing bad breath, visible infection, or pain. As the disease continues to progress, the bone continues to deteriorate as it’s invaded by bacteria, eventually causing the teeth to loosen and fall out. These later stages of periodontitis can be treated with a variety of approaches, all of which are more complex and more invasive than the simple treatment of early gum disease.
There’s no reason to let things get to the point of advanced periodontitis, especially when you keep in mind that gum disease can often be completely reversed with early treatment. You can do your part to prevent gum disease by regularly, effectively brushing and flossing and by seeing your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, and, if you notice any symptoms of possible gum disease, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. In the long run, that simple appointment could make a world of difference for your oral and dental health.
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